“I think this was the toughest win of the season,” said Impact head coach John Limniatis. “ It’s not easy to play with all those changes in the lineup. We have to live with our schedule, but then again, it’s not easy for any team in the league. We are fighting for a playoff spot so we improved our position.”
Midfielder Leonardo Di Lorenzo opened the score at the 13th minute of play. Following a corner kick from midfielder Joey Gjertsen, cleared with a header by the Portland defense, Di Lorenzo took a powerful volley of about 25 meters in the top left corner, leaving no chance to goalkeeper Chase Harrison.
Byers doubled Montreal’s lead in the first half. After outplaying two Timbers defenders in the center lane, Byers went alone in front of Harrison and beat him with a low shot to his right.
“I’m happy to have scored tonight and helped the team win,” said Byers. “We needed the win and we knew the Timbers were going to come at us. I like it here, I’m very happy in Montreal.”
With this win, the Montreal Impact is now fifth in the standings, two points behind Rochester and one point behind Seattle, with one more game to play over both teams.
Goalkeeper Matt Jordan registered his eighth shutout this season, as well as his 20th career victory with the Impact.
“It’s a huge win for the team,” said Jordan. “The game was very physical from the beginning. We are a strong group and we keep on playing better.”
This is the Impact’s sixth victory in the last eight regular season games (6-1-1).
Defender Nevio Pizzolitto was serving his second of a three-game suspension, while forwards Roberto Brown and Severino Jefferson both missed the game due to knee injuries.
The Montreal Impact will play its next two games on the west coast, Wednesday, in Seattle, and Saturday, in Vancouver. The Impact will play its next home game Wednesday, September 17 against Joe Public FC, in the first group phase game of the CONCACAF Champions League.
GAME SUMMARY
PHOTOS PÉPÉ AT SAPUTO
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Source: Patrick Vallée, Montreal Impact
Info: 514-328-3668 (ext. 227)
